Function problem help

[Bob.bobs47]

S=-241t^7+1062t^6-1871t^5+1647t^4-737t^3+144t^2-2.43t models the speed "S" of a swimmer doing the breast stroke during one complete stroke and "t" is the number of seconds since the start of the stroke. Graph the function. At what time is the swimmer going the fastest?

I literally have no idea how to solve this problem so any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[hrr379]

This is what I get . In the table t is represented by x and y1 is the S. At 41sec! May be an elite member of the forum can confirm it?

 

[hrr379]

Sorry!!! its at 36 sec.

 

[mmm4444bot]

Graph the function. At what time is the swimmer going the fastest?

Graph the function, using software.

Look for the highest point on the graph.

The value of t at that point tells you the time in elapsed seconds.

 

[mmm4444bot]

At 41sec!

Sorry!!! its at 36 sec.

I think that both of these answers are incorrect.

You're not looking at the "big" (enough) picture. :cool:

 

[hrr379]

excel is superior compared to free graphing app

time (t)	S=f(t)
0	0
0.1	0.6070279
0.2	1.4793632
0.3	1.8476613
0.4	1.8592576
0.5	1.8396875
0.6	1.9544544
0.7	2.1495817
0.8	2.2494848
0.9	2.0906991
1	1.57
1.1	0.4854509
1.2	-1.9510848

 

[mmm4444bot]

excel is superior compared to free graphing

Ah, but for whom?

btw, your latest data look much better

 

[daon2]

1) http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=plot+-241t^7+1062t^6-1871t^5+1647t^4-737t^3+144t^2-2.43t

Using 1, zoom in on the area you feel is likely:

2) http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?...71t^5+1647t^4-737t^3+144t^2-2.43t,+0.7<t<0.85

Again

3)http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?...1t^5+1647t^4-737t^3+144t^2-2.43t,+0.79<t<0.81

..and repeat until you are happy with the estimate

You may check your answer with: "maximize -241t^7+1062t^6-1871t^5+1647t^4-737t^3+144t^2-2.43t, 0<t<1"